Balaklava battle of 1854: history, causes and consequences

To give an example of a military campaign that fully corresponds to the popular notion of the British army of the 19th century, it is enough to call the Balaklava battle that occurred in 1854 during the Crimean War. It is not difficult to imagine young men of that time listening with wide-open eyes fascinating stories about the heroism displayed on the battlefield. With a sinking heart, they dream about the day when, having grown up, they can take their place in the army of Her Majesty and head with their head up proudly to glory.

Legends of Battle

The battle of Balaklava abounds in heroic courage and brilliant victories against all circumstances, such as Sir Colin Campbell's Subtle Red Line and the brutal attack of the heavy brigade under the command of the outstanding general James Scarlett. But it was the cavalrymen of the light brigade who immortalized Alfred Tennyson in his poem, which became part of English military folklore, in a desperate attack. Their history, the epic combination of unprecedented courage, a terrible catastrophe and the unsolved mystery of the fatal order of Lord Raglan about the offensive.

The causes of the Crimean War

The true causes of the Crimean War are deeply rooted, but they are mainly connected with the rejection of the British government of Russian expansion. Russia has long had views on the Balkans in southeastern Europe. Her ambitious Czar Nicholas I saw in the collapse of the Turkish empire an excellent opportunity to declare their claims. The seizure of Constantinople would give Russia full control over the entrance to the Black and Mediterranean seas. Having a fortified naval base in Sevastopol, Russia would have received open access to its Mediterranean fleet to the Mediterranean, and at the same time the possibility of influencing foreign trade routes, mainly English and French. Not surprisingly, in the unstable critical atmosphere of the mid-19th century, these two countries were determined not to let strategic balance be broken. Only strong external pressure forced Russia to abandon its initial plans to establish control over the Balkans.

Declaration of war

Tsar Nicholas was not one of those who easily surrenders. In 1852 he disputed in France the right to a key from the main gate of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, which at that time belonged to Turkey. When the Turkish sultan decided their dispute in favor of Catholic France, the king declared war on Turkey. Although it was supposedly done to protect the Orthodox faith, it was obvious to everyone that the questions of faith were secondary in comparison with Russian territorial ambitions. The war took a fierce character with numerous losses for both sides. Nevertheless, this was not the last conflict between the two countries. For a charity concert to help the wounded in the conflict of 1877, PI Tchaikovsky wrote his famous "Slavic March".

Attack of the Russian Army

Of course, Britain was alarmed. But, realizing that Russia is a resolute and serious enemy, has shown restraint, confining itself to naval patrolling of the Black Sea. Nevertheless, on November 30, 1853, the Russians attacked the Turkish fleet, anchored near Constantinople, and completely destroyed it, killing 4000 Turks. When the British and French ships approached the place of the event, they had no choice but to save the survivors from the wreckage.

This news caused general indignation in Britain. Until now, the press, which had been unperturbed, began to demand active action. The ministers of the government were accused by the press of servility, weakness and indecisiveness. In particular, the press pinned to the shameful column of the prime minister.

Such publications had a big resonance, the public mood changed dramatically. It was necessary to do something to help the unfortunate besieged Turks. Turkey itself was called "the sick man of Europe". It was impossible to resist a huge wave of public opinion, and then on February 28, 1854, the British government presented Russia with an ultimatum: to withdraw its troops before April 30, otherwise it would declare war. This chance for a peaceful settlement was completely ignored by Tsar Nicholas. As a result, this led to the beginning of the famous Crimean War, and the Balaklava battle of 1854 firmly entered the world history.

The alliance of France and Britain

Having concluded an official alliance agreement with France, Britain began mobilizing its army in order to defeat Russia. Of course, there was no question of a full-scale war with such a huge country as Russia. From the outset, the war of 1854 was seen as a short stern lesson with the aim of putting the Russian upstarts in their place. England and France decided to act on two fronts-the maritime, the Baltic, and where the main threat to their interests originated-the Russian base in Sevastopol, in the Crimea. This task was not easy. For about 40 years, England enjoyed peace without entering into major conflicts. This undoubtedly influenced its effectiveness, which in no way relates to the courage of the participants in this campaign. But from the point of view of management, the British army needed modernization.

The landing of the allied army on the Crimean peninsula

The Allied Army was to land in the Crimea without any material support: there were no tents, no field hospital, no health service, and therefore all hopes were placed on changing the moral climate, that the upcoming military actions would raise morale. Allies - 27 thousand British, 30 thousand French and 7 thousand Turks - landed in Evpatoria on September 14, 1854. After that, the Allied Army made a march-throw in the south towards Sevastopol. The very next day the first serious battle took place - the Crimean War began. The battle of Balaklava will be later, but for now the Allied army was confidently on the offensive. If the attacking side was surprised that the enemy did not resist in Evpatoria, then very soon she understood why.

Battle of the River Alma

Along the southern bank of the river Alma they were already waiting for the Russian army. The sight was awesome. For the first time, the two armies met face to face. After only one and a half hour, the Allies achieved a convincing victory. Stunned Russians were forced to retreat to Sevastopol.

While the spirited Englishmen were resting, very few people knew that at that moment an event was taking place, which is destined to become a turning point in the whole campaign. Lord Lucan tried to convince Raglan to allow him and his army to pursue the retreating Russians. But Raglan refused him. Having enlisted the support of the French, he decided to attack Sevastopol from the south. Going to this, he embarked on the path of a protracted debilitating war. The Russian garrison in Sevastopol under the command of General Kornilov took advantage of this gift of fate and began to strengthen the line of defense. One of the priorities of England and France was the task of providing its soldiers with provisions that were delivered by sea. To this end, it was necessary to seize the deep-water port. The choice fell on Balaklava. September 26, the British seized this bay.

Despite this, there were constant interruptions in the delivery of products. The water was dirty. Dysentery and cholera flashed. Soon all this ended with the euphoria caused by the victory on Alma. A sense of despair swept the troops, morale plummeted. But ahead of them both armies were waiting for a grandiose event - the Balaklava battle - the largest battle in the Crimean War.

Balaklava battle of 1854.

On October 25, the Russians launched an offensive to seize Balaklava. The famous Balaklava battle began - the Crimean victories of Russia began precisely from here. From the very first minutes of the battle, the superiority of forces was on the side of the Russians. Distinguished in this battle, Sir Colin Campbell, who built his soldiers instead of the usual penalty in two lines and ordered to fight to the last. Attacking hussars were amazed to see the enemy in an unusual build for them. Not knowing how to react, they stopped. The Scottish warriors have long been distinguished by unbridled courage. Therefore, part of the warriors instinctively rushed to the enemy. But Campbell knew that this could turn out to be a disaster, and ordered the soldiers to moderate their ardor. And only when the Russian cavalry was within reach, ordered to open fire.

The first volley discouraged the enemy, but did not stop the offensive. As a result of the second volley the cavalry randomly turned to the left. The third volley on the left flank forced the hussar to retreat. This heroic disposition became a stable trade and went down in history as a thin red line. The battle of Balaklava did not end there. Encouraged by the success of the 93rd Regiment under the command of Campbell, the soldiers practically forced the Russians to retreat. The battle of Balaklava again ended in victory for the British.

Defeat of the Allied Army

However, the Russians did not even want to give up. Literally within an hour and a half after the defeat at the Battle of Balaklava, they regrouped and were again ready for the offensive. The day that had begun so well for the British ended in a catastrophe. The Russians almost completely destroyed the light brigade, captured the cannons and held a part of the heights. The British only had to reflect on a series of missed opportunities and misunderstandings. Balaklava battle October 25, 1854 ended in the unconditional victory of the Russian army.